A Trailblazer in Clinical Pharmacy
Professor Hadiza Usman Ma’aji’s recent promotion to the rank of professor at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, marks a significant milestone. As the first woman from northern Nigeria to achieve this distinction in clinical pharmacy, her journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
This achievement is not only a personal triumph for Professor Ma’aji but also a source of pride for many who have followed her career. Her story is one that challenges long-standing stereotypes about the limitations placed on women, particularly in the northern regions of Nigeria. It demonstrates that professional ambition and family life can coexist harmoniously, without one diminishing the other.
A Personal Connection
For many, including myself, Professor Ma’aji’s accomplishments are deeply personal. She is the wife of Aliyu Ma’aji, a close friend and former classmate from Bayero University, Kano. Aliyu, who holds the traditional title of Ma’ajin Zazzau, has been more than just a friend—he has been a confidant and an integral part of my life since our undergraduate days. Our shared experiences, including working together as editors at the Daily Trust in the early 2000s, have created a bond that transcends mere friendship.
I remember the joy of attending their wedding in Zaria in 2004, a celebration that marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Their relationship has always been a source of inspiration, not only for their love but also for their mutual support in pursuing their respective careers.
Breaking Barriers
Professor Ma’aji’s journey is a powerful example of how determination can overcome obstacles. As a Fulani woman from the Zaria grasslands, she has defied expectations by balancing her academic pursuits with the responsibilities of marriage and motherhood. Today, she is the Head of Department (HOD) of the Clinical Pharmacy department at ABU while raising four intelligent children.
Her path has not been easy. She married Aliyu during her final exams, completing a grueling five-year pharmacy program at ABU and finishing top of her class. During her national youth service year in 2005, she managed the demands of motherhood and work, caring for baby Maryam while fulfilling her duties.
Even during graduate school, she continued to excel. In 2008, while pregnant with her second child, she pursued a master’s degree at the University of Ibadan. The challenges of pregnancy and academics led to a hospital stay, where she spent three weeks recovering before resuming her studies.
She had her fourth child while working on her PhD at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. At one point, her youngest child, Ummusalmah, weaned herself after a long absence from her mother due to a project defense. This anecdote highlights the sacrifices made by both mother and child in pursuit of academic success.
Cultural Insights and Humility
Professor Ma’aji’s time at Nsukka brought with it unique cultural experiences. Draped in long black abayas, she often sparked curiosity on campus. People assumed she was in mourning, which led to whispered conversations and sympathetic glances. However, when a colleague finally asked about the loss, she laughed and explained that in the North, black is simply clothing—not a symbol of grief.
Despite her husband’s ability to provide off-campus housing, especially during her graduate studies, she chose to live on campus. This decision, rooted in humility and a desire to engage with diverse perspectives, helped shape her into a national scholar rather than a regional one. By studying at top southern universities, she embraced new cultures, languages, and experiences that broadened her worldview.
A Balanced Life
Professor Ma’aji’s life is a model of balance. She is a rigorous researcher, an inventive teacher, a steadfast wife, and an affectionate mother. Her cosmopolitan outlook reflects the richness of her experiences and the depth of her character.
The ABU senate’s recognition of her achievements is a well-deserved acknowledgment of a career that continues to gain momentum. Her story is not just about individual success; it is a powerful message to young women across Nigeria that the so-called “ceiling” is merely a construct of outdated beliefs.
As she takes on higher responsibilities, her example will continue to inspire. She is a rare national treasure who bridges divides and earns trust through her actions. Her journey is proof that with perseverance, anything is possible.
